Robert Banks and Bernice Ledbetter, Reviewing Leadership: A Christian Evaluation of Current Approaches. Baker Academic, 2004.
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LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is a brief, helpful volume for those who would like to be able to put the plethora of leadership theories from the last century into perspective, and perhaps benefit from the authors’ biblical/ethical analyses of the strengths and weaknesses of each. In the words of the authors, it is
“A summary of academic approaches and concrete experiences. It is a fruit of biblical investigation and reflection on our own experiences. It is an exercise in cultural analysis and theological exploration. It is derived from current writings on leadership and personal observations of exemplary role models. It has its basis in common sense and familiar proverbs and our exposure to film and poetry” (11)
There are several good features of this book. To gain the most from it, one must read or at least browse the entire contents. Reading only portions can leave one with the impression that the authors shortchange a particular theorist, but reading the entire book reveals, in most cases, a more thorough review under a different frame of inquiry. That said, some writers get surprisingly less attention that one might expect (e.g. Ron Heifetz). Also, this book should not be read as strictly an overview of current leadership theories, but as indeed a “review.” In most cases, their critical review is very thought-provoking. I suggest this as a great place to start when considering the value of a leadership approach to the practice of Christian leadership.
From the Publisher
Reviewing Leadership sets out to review, analyze, and process the paradigms of secular and religious leadership from the Christian worldview. Banks and Ledbetter attack this reviewing, analyzing, and processing through six tiers—theological exploration, current writings, personal experiences, cultural analysis, and personal observations of exemplary role models— that consistently stack upon a common foundation: “truth comes from God in a variety of ways and that all truth is God’s truth” (p. 11).
About the Author
Robert Banks (Ph.D., University of Cambridge), director and dean of Macquarie Christian Studies Institute in Sydney, Australia, is the author of many books, including Redeeming the Routines.
Bernice M. Ledbetter (Ed.D., Pepperdine University), former director of the De Pree Leadership Center at Fuller Theological Seminary, is adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University and principal of Ledbetter Consulting Group.
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